- 1. In My Hands by Irene Opdyke is a powerful memoir that recounts the harrowing and inspiring experiences of Irene Opdyke, a Polish Catholic woman who became a beacon of hope during World War II. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Poland, the book chronicles Irene's transformation from a carefree young girl into a courageous individual tasked with making life-and-death decisions as she navigates the horrors of war. After witnessing the atrocities and the inhumane treatment of Jews, Irene defies the oppressive regime by bravely sheltering and saving Jewish lives, including that of a Jewish family. The narrative captures her moral dilemmas, the risks she takes to protect others, and the profound impact of her actions, highlighting themes of bravery, humanity, and resistance in the face of overwhelming evil. 'In My Hands' not only serves as a testament to Irene's remarkable spirit and resilience but also as a reminder of the power of individual acts of kindness and courage in the darkest of times.
What is Irene Opdyke's profession at the start of World War II?
A) Teacher
B) Factory Worker
C) Secretary
D) Nurse
- 2. Which country is Irene Opdyke from?
A) Russia
B) Poland
C) Germany
D) Czechoslovakia
- 3. What event causes Irene to initially flee her home?
A) The bombing of Warsaw
B) The invasion of Poland
C) A forced conscription order
D) Her parents' arrest
- 4. How does Irene primarily help the Jews she encounters?
A) By leading them to the border
B) By providing food and shelter
C) By forging documents
D) By bribing officials
- 5. What is the title of Irene Opdyke's memoir?
A) In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer
B) The Light in the Darkness
C) The Hidden Villa
D) A Courageous Heart
- 6. After the war, which country does Irene emigrate to?
A) Canada
B) England
C) The United States
D) Israel
- 7. How does Irene's relationship with Major Rügemer help her?
A) He provides her with false identification papers.
B) It gives her access to resources and a place to hide people.
C) He helps her escape to a neutral country.
D) He promotes her to a position of authority.
- 8. What personal risk does Irene face by helping Jews?
A) Execution if discovered
B) Heavy fines
C) Imprisonment in a labor camp
D) Exile from her country
- 9. What is a key internal conflict Irene describes in her memoir?
A) Choosing between a romantic relationship and her mission
B) The struggle between fear and the need to do what is right
C) Whether to leave Poland or stay and fight
D) Loyalty to her family versus loyalty to her country
- 10. How does Irene's Catholic faith influence her actions?
A) It leads her to try to convert the Jews she helps.
B) It causes her to question whether she should interfere.
C) It has very little influence on her decisions.
D) It strengthens her belief in helping others, regardless of risk.
- 11. What is the primary setting for much of the memoir?
A) Ternopil, Ukraine
B) Krakow, Poland
C) Berlin, Germany
D) Warsaw, Poland
- 12. For decades after the war, what does Irene do regarding her wartime experiences?
A) She remains silent about them.
B) She works for a war crimes tribunal.
C) She becomes a public speaker.
D) She writes a book immediately.
- 13. In the United States, what profession does Irene take up?
A) Writer
B) Nurse
C) Interior designer
D) Teacher
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